Westar Energy wants 1,000 customers to try a new program that would shift electricity use to off-peak periods.

The utility company says the pilot program offers time of use rates to save customers money and help manage the demand on the electric system.

The Lawrence Journal-World reported that peak energy use times during the summer are weekdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Under the pilot program, the cost for energy during that period would be about 13.5 cents per kilowatt hour. Using energy during off-peak times would cost about 5.5 cents per kilowatt hour.

The hours and costs would change during the winter.

The utility said the three-year pilot program is restricted to 1,000 customers each year.